1. CLAUSES
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

2. A clause is a group of words with its own subject and verb.
CLAUSES
A clause is a group of words with its own subject and verb.

3. CLAUSES
There are two basic types of clauses, and there is an important difference between them.
Independent Clause:
has a subject and a verb and can stand by itself as a complete sentence
Dependent Clause
Has a subject and verb but cannot stand by itself as a complete sentence.

4. Independent clauses can be long or short
What is important is that the clause expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a complete sentence.

5. s v s v In the morning, we practiced ton the beginners’ slope.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSES
Example -
The ski lift took us up the mountain.
In the morning, we practiced ton the beginners’ slope.
Lance Armstrong, an American cyclist, won the Tour de France. s v s v

6. It is an incomplete thought and only part of a sentence
SUBORDINATE CLAUSES
A subordinate clause contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand by itself
It is an incomplete thought and only part of a sentence

7. s v v s When the bicycle had a flat tire
SUBORDINATE CLAUSES
Example -
After she reached the top of the hill
When the bicycle had a flat tire
As you can see something is missing from the clause making it an incomplete sentence. s v v s

8. When mountain biking began in California
Label each group of words as an independent clause or a subordinate clause.
When mountain biking began in California
subordinate

9. Although regular bikes did not work very well
subordinate

10. Riders made their own bikes for their special needs
independent

11. Mountain bikes are made of strong, light metals
independent

12. Cyclists ride
independent

13. When Jeremy called last night, I was not home.
MORE PRACTICE!!!!! For each of the following sentences identify the underlined group of words as independent or subordinate.
When Jeremy called last night, I was not home.
subordinate

14. I know the woman who owns that store.
subordinate

15. If he finishes his report on time, he can go to the beach Saturday.
subordinate

16. When you reach the end of the hall way turn right.
independent

17. This is the poem that I memorized last year.
subordinate

18. We didn’t go to her party because we went camping that weekend.
independent

19. The student whom I nominated for class president is Lindsey.
subordinate

20. I can’t concentrate when you practice your trumpet with your door open
subordinate

21. Although these colors are beautiful, I don’t like the painting.
independent

22. The man whom you met is the president of the group.
subordinate

23. Whenever you dust the shelves I sneeze.
independent

24. John is the boy who is on the swim team.
subordinate

25. The girls who painted that mural live in my neighborhood
subordinate

26. Please fold these clothes before they become wrinkled.
subordinate

27. After we wrapped the presents, we hurried to the post office.
independent

28. My aunt stays at our house when she comes to the city for business meetings.
subordinate

29. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and take the chicken out of the refrigerator.
independent